Specialist wellbeing event Synergy – The Retreat Show is moving into its next phase with the formation of a new advisory board, including TTG Media’s head of luxury April Hutchinson.
Synergy focuses on creating a trade show and community for selected travel advisors; senior leaders and founders in the retreat and wellness world; as well as hotels and resorts who share the same focus, with attendees coming from markets including Europe (39%), North America (33%) and Asia (20%).
Having attended two outings of the show, Hutchinson said she was keen to support its growth and also encourage more travel advisors from the UK and worldwide to attend given the huge growth in the retreat industry, which is expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2030.
“I’ve watched Synergy grow into a vital global platform for wellness travel and the retreat industry, bringing together the senior leaders, founders and innovators who are shaping its future,” she said. “As travellers increasingly seek experiences that both support their wellbeing and have a less damaging impact on the environment, Synergy’s focus on sustainability and slow hospitality is so important for the sector too. I’m delighted to join the advisory board as Synergy moves into this exciting next phase of growth.”
Fellow newly-added advisory board members include Susie Arnett, director of wellness programming for Six Senses; Andrew Gibson, chair of the Wellness Hall of Fame and global wellness pioneer; Lee Han, chief executive of Polaris Advisor and a leader in global wellness development; Joann Kurtz-Ahlers, founder of Hidden Doorways Travel Collection; and Jeremy McCarthy, former group director of spa and wellness at Mandarin Oriental.
Gibson said: “Synergy skilfully creates a market place of wellness for practitioners, resort and retreat operators, travel planners and tour operators who are interested in the experience, and the promotion of retreats aimed at the traditional and natural pursuit of wellness and a healthy life. It is the perfect venue for anyone who wants to be part of the wellness movement, providing a place for people to meet, socialise, discuss business, gain inspiration, and be part of a community.”
The three-day show attracts around 300 attendees for a mix of one-to-one meetings, workshops, wellness activities and networking, with the 2026 event taking place at Pical Resort, part of Valamar Collection, and organised under the theme of The Healing Power of Nature.
Laura Montesanti, founder and managing director of Synergy – The Retreat Show, said: “Synergy is perfectly positioned within this wave of expansion, spotlighting innovation such as bio-personalised retreats, regenerative wellness stays, urban formats and science-backed modalities that are shaping the future of the sector. However, we also ensure a balance is kept between the old and the new, cultivating a holistic view by showcasing and drawing upon the long-standing wisdom of traditional practices, which over time never age.”
